Influence

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 4)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation is receptive to visitors and outsiders. A classic example of failure in being receptive to outsiders is recorded in Galatians 2:11-14. It says, “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, rearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”” Paul withstood Peter to the face because he withdrew and separated himself from those who differed ethnically. Fear motivated Peter to so conduct himself and his example led others to follow in his steps. A personal error began to affect others in the congregation.

Our receptivity to outsiders, whether they differ ethnically or in some other meaningful manner, will be enhanced as friendliness is the norm rather than the exception. A spirit of friendliness should be extended from each member to each and every individual who graces our assemblies with their presence and support. As we set various prejudices aside (Acts 10:34-35), our receptivity to outsiders will be further developed. Additionally, may we realize the value in actively seeking to establish relationships beyond the bounds of clannishness and personal cliques so that we create multiple opportunities to broaden our field of acquaintances and friends, thereby opening ourselves to growth in our reception of outsiders. May we value each soul as highly as our Lord who freely died for all.

The ideal membership sets an example for others in Christian living.  The apostle Paul exhorted the evangelist Timothy to “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers…” (1 Tim. 4:12a).  Paul’s exhortation also detailed general and specific areas wherein our example should be developed, including our speech, manner of life, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12b).  Since our Lord is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35), each individual Christian must strive to follow the Pauline exhortation to which reference was made above.

As we set an example for others in Christian living, we should influence our families unto greater and better service to God (Eph. 6:1-4). The impact of such successful efforts may not be measured except in eternity. Included in our efforts to spiritually impact our families should be wise and timely efforts to lead our spouse to be a faithful Christian. Though difficult, the potential good is certainly worth our investment of time, energy, and concern. Additionally, may we also gain the courage to influence other Christians to improve their service in the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 11:1). By efforts such as these we may perhaps become a Nehemiah in our own time!

Domino Effect

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The best way to avoid a pattern of negative choices is to seek wisdom from God to make good choices from the start. That’s the ultimate way to live as a follower of Jesus—fueling our daily decisions with God’s wisdom! That can lead to a positive domino effect, where one good choice leads to another good choice—and on and on it goes. And thankfully, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can be forgiven and set back upright again even when we do make a poor choice.

Proverbs 3:5-8 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in our own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.”

Jesus cares about your decisions. Think of some choices you made today or this week, do you feel good about those choices? Are there some choices you would like to go back in time to change? In the passage we read, we’re warned to not rely on our own understanding. Why is that so hard to do? Because we like to be in control.

It’s true that God is in charge of everything, but he cares deeply about us and about all the little choices we make in everyday life. Jesus has the wisdom we need to make solid choices, and he wants to give that wisdom to us!

Your choices affect other people. I’m sure that all of you can remember a choice someone else made that affected you, either positively or negatively. God designed us to live life together, not alone. What’s one wise choice you’ve made that’s improved your relationships with other people?

Most of us know that relationships—with friends, family, colleagues, classmates, teammates—are really important. But sometimes we forget how much better those relationships could be if we sought wisdom from Jesus. The next time you’re about to make a choice that you know will affect someone else, ask Jesus to help you make the right decision. This Scripture says he’ll show you the right path to take.

Your choices either build up or tear down your reputation. Think about this: You can quickly gain a bad reputation because of one bad choice, and then it can take a long time to get rid of that bad reputation. Like it or not, our choices cause people to see us in a certain way. As Christians, we bear the name of Jesus Christ. We can make choices that honor him and reflect him.

Listen to this statement: “It can take five minutes to gain a bad reputation and a year to lose that bad reputation.” Do you know anyone in your life that has proven this statement to be true? If so, what can you learn from that person’s situation? Not trying to say we have to be perfect, but simply trying every day to be better.

What’s one choice you can start with today to create a positive domino effect in your relationship with the Lord?

The Influence of One

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Throughout the bible, you can see that many nations are often influenced by a single person. This can be good and it can be bad because if that influence is coming from a man of God like Elijah or Elisha the influence is good. However, if it comes from a man like Jeroboam or any of the kings of the Northern kingdom of Israel the influence would only cause damage. If we look at the book of Kings we can see Josiah as a good influence example.  Upon finding and reading a lost book teaching him about God, Josiah did away with the idols and brought the people back to God (2 Kings 23). On the opposite side of the coin, a king like Omri of the northern kingdom did evil in the sight of the Lord even to the point of being worse than all those before him (1 Kings 16:25).

Today, just like then, we have kings and presidents that run the nations around the globe. They, just like the leaders of the past, are doing one of two things; they are either leading people to God or away from God. There is nothing else as important as the influence that they have in those regards. We too like leaders of the world have a realm of influence. Some of us might be able to influence more people than others but how are we using that influence. Are we like Paul or Josiah bringing people to God, or are we like Omri or Charles Darwin who led people away from God with their influence? As Christians, our influence can be great. If we are willing to spread the Word of God and the blessings that come with having a relationship with God, then we will influence people towards God. We may never influence a whole nation but we each will have the ability to influence people that others can’t. So let’s be like Josiah and so many others that influenced people to come to God.    Jacob Saarloos

Influence

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Influence is a powerful thing.

John Hancock once said, “The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions.”

John C. Maxwell made the simple statement that “leadership is influence.” It is evident that influence is and can be one of the most powerful tools we can use to shape the world around us and sometimes even the whole world as we know it. In regards to leadership and influence, some of the most influential people for God’s people were the kings.

Two kings in particular stand out on both ends of the influencing spectrum. Josiah (2 Kings 22:1-2) became a king and the young age of eight and went on to be one of the best kings that Judah had. He influenced the people to return to God and do away with all the evils that they were so regularly involved in. Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1-2) also began his reign as a boy at the age of twelve. However, Manasseh went the opposite way. He led the people back to all kinds of idol worship and immorality. His influence on the people was so great that it led the people so far away from God that there was nothing left that could save the wickedness from being punished by God.

Influence is a powerful tool to keep in mind. Influence is not always something you can control because there is always someone watching what you do. This is why it is so important how we live our lives because our lives can have an impact on the lives of those around us and therefore the souls around us. If we live contrary to the way that we say we believe then we influence people to disregard God as being something unimportant. But if we live our lives solely for God we can influence others to see the glory of God through us and therefore strive for to be that way themselves. So what kind of influence do you portray? Do you bring people closer to God like Josiah, or further away from God like Manasseh?

Jacob Saarloos